Agents seize marijuana
U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector seized $229,000 worth of marijuana and arrested two armed suspects during three incidents over the weekend.
On Saturday, Wellton Station agents patrolling nine miles south of Interstate 8 and Spot Road discovered the footprints of a group of individuals traveling north through the desert, according to a press release.
Agents followed the footprints and located four abandoned backpacks filled with 185 pounds of marijuana. After securing the narcotics, agents continued tracking the footprints and arrested four individuals. The marijuana, worth $92,600, was seized for destruction. The suspects were arrested and processed for removal.
On Friday, agents assigned to Camp Grip, Yuma Sector's forward operating base, found footprints indicating a group of individuals had crossed into the United States illegally. Agents began tracking the footprints and eventually found three suspects carrying backpacks filled with more than 100 pounds of marijuana.
The marijuana, valued at nearly $137,000, was seized for destruction. The subjects were arrested and processed for removal.
Later that same night, Wellton Station agents patrolling 10 miles south of Gila Bend detected two individuals traveling on foot through the desert.
Agents apprehended the pair and discovered they were armed with a .38-caliber handgun, a BB pistol resembling a firearm and a knife with brass knuckles attached. The suspects also were in possession of 3.29 grams of methamphetamine, a glass pipe (drug paraphernalia), $1,992 cash, camouflage clothing and .223-caliber ammunition.
The suspects, weapons and all property were turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.
